Are you a fan of grapes and love to explore the different festivals that celebrate this delicious fruit? Look no further! Here we will discuss one of the most popular grape festivals in Lodi, California. This festival is a great way to spend a day in the sun, with family and friends, and to enjoy the tasty bounty of nature. You can pick your own grapes, take part in activities for kids, and enjoy live music and food. Not only will you have great memories, but you’ll also get to take home some delicious grapes! Enjoy the fresh air and company of others while learning more about the cultivation of grapes and the products they can yield. From tours to activities, this festival has something for everyone to enjoy. So come join us and have a blast at the Lodi Grape Festival.
Festival Summary
The Lodi Grape Festival is a four day event that takes place annually in September. In 2023, it’s happening from September 14th to 17th. Attracting thousands of people from all around the San Joaquin County, it celebrates the grape harvest with food, entertainment, vendors, grape and commodity murals, competitive exhibits, carnival, wine tasting, and so much more.
The Wine Cellar: A Wine Tasting Experience presented by Harrah’s of Northern California is a great opportunity to sample some fine wines from the area. Volunteers are welcomed to donate their time for the betterment of the Lodi Grape Festival and National Wine Show Association, Inc. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience!
History of this event
The Lodi Grape Festival is organized by the National Wine Show Association, Inc. Founded in 1939, the festival is a celebration of the grape harvest in San Joaquin County and an opportunity for members of the community to come together and enjoy food, wine, music, and entertainment for the whole family. Throughout its long history, the festival has grown in size and scope, evolving into a four-day event featuring carnival rides, wine tastings, competitive exhibits, and a variety of live entertainment. Visitors can also experience the history of the region through exhibits and displays, and explore the local craftsmanship of the area’s winemakers.
The event also provides an opportunity to give back to the community, with events such as the Canned Food Drive and Family Value Day providing discounted admission to those in need. Every year, the Lodi Grape Festival continues to be a major part of the community and a source of celebration and joy throughout the region.
Discovering the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
In 2023, Lodi Grape Festival will be taking place from September 14th to 17th. The festival runs during the following hours on the respective days –
- Thursday, September 14 – 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.;
- Friday, September 15 – Noon to Midnight;
- Saturday, September 16 – Noon to Midnight;
- Sunday, September 17 – Noon to 11 p.m.
Admission for adults is $12, for youth ages 6-12 is $8 and admission for children 5 and under is free. Admission tickets are available in advance for only $8 per person while tickets are regular price at the gates. There is an unlimited carnival ride wristband available for $25 in advance and $35 on the day. Wine tasting takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and costs $20, $15 respectively.
When visiting the festival, parking is $10 in any of the official Festival parking lots and can be found on Cherokee Lane and Lockeford Street next to the fairgrounds, on Lockeford Street directly across from the fairgrounds and behind the Grape Bowl with access on Calaveras Street and Stockton Street.
Best Time to Visit, Parking & Shuttle Service
For those looking for additional savings, you are suggested to visit on one of the below timeslot as suggested:
- Thursday, (Sept 14th), it’s Family Value Day, when all visitors 16 and under get in free.
- Friday, (Sept 15th) is Free til’ 5 Day, when admission is free from noon to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, (Sept 16th) and Sunday (Sept 17th) are Two for $2 til’ 2 p.m, when visitors can bring two cans of food to donate to charity and get admission for only $2 from noon to 2 p.m.
For carnival rides, the best value is the unlimited wristband at $20 available on Thursday, September 14 only when purchased at the Lodi Grape Festival at the carnival ticket boxes. If you cannot make it on September 14th, you are suggested to buy the unlimited wristband in advance at $25 when purchased through close of business on Wednesday, September 13th.
To avoid crowds, visitors should plan to arrive before noon or after 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and after 2 p.m. on Sunday to avoid the free period.
Visitors to the Lodi Grape Festival have plenty of parking options available to them. Festival sponsored parking lots can be found on Cherokee Lane and Lockeford Street next to the fairgrounds, on Lockeford Street directly across from the fairgrounds, and behind the Grape Bowl with access on Calaveras Street and Stockton Street. Festival sponsored parking is $10, with free shuttle service available from each lot.
Wine Tasting, performance and more
The Wine Cellar: A Wine Tasting Experience presented by Harrah’s of Northern California presents you with the the opportunity to savor exceptional wines from nine local wineries. Known for their rich Zinfandels and delicate Pinot Grigios, Lodi Wine Country offers a fantastic variety for everyone to enjoy, and you might just come across a new favorite!
Choose from four wine-tasting sessions over the weekend:
- Friday, September 16 featuring commercial wineries from 6pm to 8:30 pm
- 2 sections on Saturday, September 17 featuring commercial wineries, from 2pm to 4:30 pm and 6pm -8:30 pm
- Sunday, September 18 showcasing talented local winemakers from 2:30pm to 5pm
For just $20 on Friday and Saturday or $15 on Sunday, you’ll receive 10 tastings and a keepsake wine glass. If you crave a full glass after sampling, stop by the Van Ruiten Family Winery booth at the Pavilion center.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience; purchase your tickets online now or at the entrance to the wine-tasting area during the festival. Immerse yourself in the captivating flavors of Lodi Wine Country and make unforgettable memories at the Lodi Grape Festival!
The performance schedule of 2023 has not been released yet, but in the past, Lodi Grape Festival featured the Fab Four rocking Beatles songs, Lee Greenwood, High Water Line. All shows are free with admission in the past year. There was also a kid friendly area called Tractor Town presented by Cen-Cal Fire. There are a variety of toy tractors and tricycles that the kids can safely play with.
The Lodi Grape Festival is looking for volunteers in 2023! From students who are looking to gain experience to retirees who have years of expertise, volunteers bring a unique spirit to the event. As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to be part of the festivities and give back to the community. You may choose to help out in any of the event areas, from the carnival to the wine tasting area, from the grape pavilion to the art building. If you’re interested in being part of the Lodi Grape Festival in 2023, please check here out. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s festival!
Three Things you should know before you go!
The Lodi Grape Festival is an annual four day event held in September in San Joaquin County, California, in 2023 it’s happening from September 14th to September 17th. It’s located at 413 E. Lockeford Street, Lodi, CA 95240.
Attractions include exciting entertainment, food, vendors, grape and commodity murals, competitive exhibits, carnival, wine tasting, and more. The wine tasting has 4 sections, please check out the relevant date to decide your visit date!
The cost of admission changes depending on the day, so be sure to take a look at the details above to find the best day for your visit. We suggest you to plan ahead and buy tickets before September 13th to save $4 per adults and $10 for unlimited carnival ride wristbands. The tickets and wristbands can be purchased online, at Food 4 Less and Rancho San Miguel in Lodi, or at the Lodi Grape Festival Office starting from August 2nd.
For more information, including daily schedules and ticket prices, visit the official event website at www.grapefestival.com.